What is Artificial Insemination
Artificial Insemination (AI) is a procedure in which male seminal fluid is injected into the uterine cavity with special instruments. It is one of the infertility treatment methods characterized by minimal impact on the woman’s body. As with natural intercourse, fertilization of the egg takes place in the fallopian tubes.
There are two main types of the procedure – insemination with the sperm of the husband (partner) or donor. In the first case, the use of untreated seminal fluid is allowed. In the second, it is cryopreserved. Pre-treatment of sperm is necessary to select viable sperm.
In contrast to IVF, insemination is performed directly in the woman’s body.
Differences from other types of artificial insemination
The main difference from IVF is the way the egg is fertilized by a sperm cell. In the IVF procedure, it takes place outside the woman’s body – in a test tube. The fertilized egg is then injected into the uterus. With insemination, the process takes place in the woman’s body.
With IVF, it is possible to plan the sex of the unborn child because the cell fusion process is monitored in the laboratory. With insemination, there is no influence. In addition, IVF has a much higher percentage of multiple births than AI.
Insemination has a number of indications and contraindications.
Indications for insemination
Insemination is offered as a first-line treatment for infertility and pregnancy development. The indications for the procedure affect both women and men. It may be prescribed in the following cases:
- diseases and anatomical features in which natural conception is not possible;
- cervical factor (change in the properties of cervical mucus) in women and reduced fertility of male sperm;
- sexual intercourse disorders (vaginismus, erectile dysfunction, hypospadias);
- operations performed on the cervix;
- lack of a steady partner or irregular intercourse;
- infertility for unknown reasons;
- risk of hereditary diseases on the part of the partner.
Contraindications
Sperm insemination has its own contraindications, primarily related to the health of the woman. Any malignant tumors or masses in the ovaries can be a barrier to the procedure. The presence of obstruction of the fallopian tubes for any reason makes it impossible to use this method. The procedure cannot be performed in case of inflammatory process in the woman or her partner. Contraindications also include diseases, including mental illnesses that make it impossible to carry a child.
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